Hey, thank Wyrnrider for hammering on this. I've read a lot of contention on this matter and assertions that it does not matter; I've tried to keep an open mind. It's like so many things in motor-heading.... in some applications it may not matter; in others, it will. This looks (to me) a like a case where it will matter.
This is quite a bit different from the old low lift, slow ramp cams. It goes past the limits of what I thought was reasonably possible with flat tappets. Now, I AM conscious of what it may mean for valve speeds and the need for better valve springs...hence the need to look at the recommended springs and see if they are just 'normal' hi-po springs, like the stock 340 springs, or something more.
Edit to add: Howards recommend spring (98438) has a rate of 425 lbs/in which is a step higher than 340 springs or Comp 901's. They are duals rather than single with damper. So this may indicate some faster acceleration rates... no wait, Howards lists that for ALL their SBM hyd flat tappet cams regardless of rate, so that is not it. For 302 heads like the OP has, and a smaller cam and the more limited upper RPM range of the 2, I suspect 340 or Comp 901 springs would be OK; I'd certainly try it out.
